McDowell-White working his way back, has 9 in loss

• William McDowell-White has nine points in 17-point loss
• ALBA Berlin struggling at 3-17 in EuroLeague 2024-25
• Fenerbahce is one of the top teams in EuroLeague

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul unleashed a devastating fourth-quarter blitz to secure a crucial 90-73 against Australian guard William McDowell-White's ALBA Berlin at Ulker Sports and Event Hall on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The Turkish powerhouse's 22-4 run in the final frame turned a nail-biter into a comfortable win, propelling them to their second consecutive triumph and improving their EuroLeague record to 12-7.

White, 27, is just back from injury. He played 24 minutes, had nine points on 3-from-5 from the field, two rebounds, two assists but a team-leading five turnovers.

The match ebbed and flowed through the first 30 minutes, with neither side able to establish a commanding lead. ALBA, desperate to snap a six-game losing streak, matched Fenerbahce blow for blow. The visitors' resilience was epitomised by Gabriele Procida, who led ALBA with 14 points, including several crucial baskets that kept his team within striking distance.

However, Fenerbahce's depth and home-court advantage ultimately proved too much for the struggling German side. Sertac Sanli emerged as the game's top scorer, pouring in a season-high 18 points, whilst Marko Guduric and Nigel Hayes-Davis each contributed 14 to the winning cause. The hosts' balanced attack was on full display in the fourth quarter, as they systematically dismantled ALBA's defence with a combination of inside presence and perimeter shooting.

The statistics tell the tale of Fenerbahce's dominance. They out-rebounded ALBA 38-32 and dished out 24 assists compared to ALBA's 16, showcasing their superior teamwork and control of the paint. Perhaps most tellingly, Fenerbahce's efficiency was evident in their shooting percentages, connecting on 56.1% of their two-point attempts and 40.7% from beyond the arc.

Sertac Sanli's performance deserves particular attention. The Turkish centre was a force to be reckoned with, shooting an efficient 8-from-11 from the field and adding 5 rebounds. His ability to score both in the post and from mid-range kept ALBA's defence off-balance throughout.

Looking ahead, Fenerbahce will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a top-four finish and home-court advantage in the playoffs. Their next challenge comes on the road against AS Monaco, a team also jockeying for playoff position. For ALBA Berlin, this seventh consecutive defeat drops them to a dismal 3-17 record, leaving them firmly rooted to the bottom of the EuroLeague standings.